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Pedestrians have been warned against trying to cross the busy the Blaydon Highway on foot, after a footbridge came perilously close to collapse.

Gateshead Council have said it is “extremely dangerous” to try and walk across the dual carriage way — but several people have been seen trying to do just that.

The footbridge which stands on the A695 was seriously damaged after a HGV careered into it on the eastbound side.

The scene on the A695 after a footbridge over the road was in danger of collapse

A council spokesman said: “We now have traffic engineers on site looking at how we can erect temporary fencing to prevent or discourage pedestrians from accessing the main carriageway.

“Currently, the only safe pedestrian crossing point is at the opposite end of Blaydon Shopping Centre via the light-controlled pedestrian crossing at the entrance to Morrison’s car park, then under the flyover to the level crossing on Tyne Street.

“We are urging all pedestrians to use this alternative route and not to attempt to cross the A695 on foot.”

The scene on the A695 after a footbridge over the road was in danger of collapse

The eastbound lane under the lorry-hit section of bridge remains closed on Thursday, and Gateshead council has drafted in engineers and equipment to find out just how serious the damage is.

The spokesman said: “Council engineers will be meeting contractors on site later today to begin planning the process of removing the damaged portion of bridge. Once the removal has been completed – hopefully over the week-end - we will then be able to carry out a detailed inspection of the remainder of the bridge to ascertain exactly what repairs are required.